July Wish List...

I know, I know.... I am way late in the game!  It has been a very busy month for me...  this month's wish list is mostly accessories!  Mainly because I am being über picky about my clothes lately.  Nothing is really striking my fancy, but there are a few clothing items on here!

July Wish list by jelobo2 featuring kat von d makeup

1. Blowfish Bilocate Women's Fashion Ankle Boots:   I have been looking for booties like these forever... whenever I find something like them, my size isn't available... now I am in a time crunch.  I need them to complete my outfit that I am wearing to a concert in August (yes I have planned my outfit this far in advance!).... these are also a possibility....
2. Lip Shoulder Bag from H&M:  So many lip handbags to choose from, but which do I really want?  I do like this H&M one a lot, because it is a shoulder bag rather than a clutch... don't get me wrong, I love my clutches, but shoulder bags, especially on the smaller side are much more convenient
3. for when I go out shopping.
4. Isis Crystal Necklace for ILY Couture:  I want this necklace on my neck now!  It's so charming and I can see myself wearing it on a night out or just jazzing up a causal look like a tank top and comfy jeans.  Ever girl needs a staple like this in their wardrobe!
5. Pixie Perfect Green Flats from Pinupgirlclothing.com:  I need more flat shoes.  I have two pairs and one pair is almost completely worn out!  These are beyond adorable and come in 3 more colors... Cupcake Peach Flats, Tutu Cute Black Flats, and Fantastically Fuchsia Flats.  I want them all!
6. Kat Von D Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick in Bauhau5:  YYYYEEESSSS!  You all know my obsession with lipstick and I can't believe I didn't know about this line sooner!  I saw this lipstick on @missjazminad on instagram and it was love.  I need this color and the Lolita and the Bachelorette!

MORE WISH LIST ITEMS:

1. Editorial Edition Clutch from Urbanog.com:  HOW CUTE IS THIS!?  You had me at Vogue covers! :)
2. Fantasy Floral High-Waisted Short from Forever21:  Shorts are growing on me...
3. Netted Wrap Chain Necklace from Urbanog.com:  This necklace is like the best of both worlds!  I love scarves... I love statement necklaces.. SCORE!
4. Wraparound Jersey Cardigan from Love Culture:  All the structure of a blazer and the comfort of a cardigan...  I wish it came in more colors, not just the burgundy and the taupe!!
5. Betsy Bow Bra by Bravissimo:  So I've FINALLY figured out my bra size and I am so getting this bra!  How freaking adorable is it?  There are so many bras from this site that I want (like $1000 worth)!
6. ASOS Curve Cami Top With Wrap:  Effortless fabulousness!  Summer is all about effortless comfort, but we are still talking about me... I still need to be stylish!  
7. New Look Inspire Swing Shell With Pendant Necklace:  I am not really a fan of tops wit hardware, but this is cute and is easy and breezy.... aka perfect for summer!  
8. Dermophisiologique Optyma Nutri- Lift Eye Contour Cream:  Now for my most extravagant wish list item! A while back I had an allergic reaction to the latex in my eyelash glue.  Although my eye has healed and I have moved on to a non- latex formula that I LOVE, my eye hasn't been the same.  The skin around that eye is now very sensitive and a prone to being really dry and flaky.  I need something that is going to keep my eye moisturized, but won't irritate my eye.  I hear great things about this eye cream, for $85 I better hear good things about it!  My good friend who is an esthetician highly recommends is.  Worth a try right?

Welcome to My World of BGP....

I am going to let you in on a little secret... I am a busty girl.  OK, so that isn't a secret.  Anyone with eyes knows that.  However, the secret is no one really knows how busty I truly am... myself included!  In the last year and a half I have gone through 3 different bra sizes and it isn't because my body has changed dramatically.  It is because I never knew how bras are supposed to fit!  Did you know that coming home crying because your bra hurts wasn't normal?  I sure as hell didn't!  I just assumed that is just how it was and that coming home and taking that sucker off was the best feeling in the world. I know I can't be the only person out there who is suffering due to ill-fitting bras and lack of availability out there.  I decided to do this post and share my experiences, frustrations, and things that I have found and NEVER knew!  Welcome to my world of BGP (busty girl problems)...

Image by Gabbi3083791 via Someecards

For years I didn't know my bra size (I still don't).  I was one of those girls who developed over night.  One day I was flat and the next I was like a C. What can I say?  I come from a long line of busty women.  I was on my own though.  I didn't have anyone to teach me the ways of the bra, not even basic fit principles.  I didn't know the gore is supposed to lay flat on your chest (I didn't know it had a name) or that you could get fitted (I didn't learn about bra fittings until I was in my 20's).  These things among others I learned recently, but I should have learned YEARS AGO!

In high school I just assumed I was a DD.  It was the largest that I had ever heard of or could find in a store.  Then years later I met my friend Jakki and she gave me a little more insight on sizes (basically she's smaller than me, but bigger than a DD).  So I made an "educated" guess that I was a G.  I was dumbfounded.  Where the hell was I going to find a G?   Luckily for me Jakki knew of a site that I could go to.  I ordered one online from Bare Necessities.  It definitely fit better, but I didn't know any better either.  So I went on that way for years.

Last year I was presented with the opportunity to get sized at Lane Bryant.  I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING SIZED!!  Not just sized, but properly sized. I never did it because it was a moot point for me.  There was never a place that offered the service that carried anything close to my size.  I went to Lane Bryant in a bind.  I needed a strapless bra to go with a dress that I had gotten for a wedding (my current strapless bra was too high cut).  I knew I wouldn't be able to order one and get it on time and I also knew I couldn't guarantee it would work even if I did.  So I went with the hopes that I could find something that fit decently that I could wear for at least that one evening.  I was surprised by the size selection and when I was offered a bra fitting.  I couldn't pass that up.  I had been wondering for years.  She determined that I was a 36H (side note... she said the sweetest thing in the world to me, "Girl your natural waist is tiny!").  She didn't have a 36H in stock, but she did have a 38H.  So I tried that one on.  I couldn't breathe.  There was no denying that the cups were way better, but not breathing wasn't an option.  So I tried a 40H... much better!  Again, not knowing how it was supposed to fit, I thought this was fantastic.  I finally knew my size.

Image by Rampaige on her blog Busty Girl Comics

Well, while shopping online about two weeks ago for some new bras I decided to see if Livirae sold anything online (the store that is featured on Lifetime's show DoubleDivas).  They do, but before you can browse you have to go through an online fitting.  These two ladies are the boob experts so I am not surprised they set up their site that way.  So for the second time in less than a year, I was going through a bra fitting.  It was very educational.  That's how I learned that the gore is supposed to touch your chest (and that is called a gore).  Turns out, according to that fitting I am a 36J.

36J!!  SHUT THE HELL UP!!  I am not denying I am a big girl, but a J?  SERIOUSLY?  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was a J.  I was in shock when the lady at Lane Bryant said I was an H.  I mean, I could already wear one side of my bra as a hat... and now I am being told that I am bigger?  It's already a pain in the ass to find bras in an H.  I'm still in my 20's, I DON'T WANT TO WEAR A GRANDMA BRA!  Cute or sexy bras are bloody near impossible to find and now I have to search for them in an even bigger cup size?  I had literally just discovered a new site called Adore Me and I was beyond excited to try.  I bought two bra sets and now I wasn't going to be able to wear them!  I had all these questions and concerns flowing through my head.  Is there even a company that makes a strapless bra in a J?  Am I never going to wear my beloved halter or strapless style dresses ever again?  Am I really a 36?  Am I really a J?  I can't fly to Georgia to have one of the ladies at Livirae fit me, so how can I really know?

I can't be the only person out there this irked and clueless.  I reached out to my friends and asked if they were as confused as I was when it comes to bras.  My friend Jakki is in the same boat now (sorry to burst your bubble love).  I told her the things that I have found out and she's questioning her fit ("That part is supposed to touch your body?  Mine in nowhere near my body!").  I want to know once and for all what size I am.  I want to know how a bra is properly supposed to fit, and I want to be able to try that sucker on before I purchase it!!  Don't misunderstand my meaning; I have no issues with buying online.  90% of my purchasing is done online, but bras are not cheap.  I am not saying they should be either, but it is absurd to be spending $60 or more on a bra (not including tax or shipping and handling) on something that doesn't even fit.  Then having to deal with the hassle of repackaging and paying for shipping again to return it!

Image by Rampaige from her blog Busty Girl Comics

I decided to purchase a 36J to see how it fits.  I actually found some on sale from Simply Be, so I ordered a few.  I also decided I would exchange the sets I got from Adore Me to see if one of the sister sizes would work for me (yes, another new discovery).  I crossed my fingers and waited.  The day finally came when they arrived, and guess what?  

THEY ARE STILL TOO FUCKING SMALL!!!!!!!  

My new bras... that I can't wear....

I cried.  Genuine tears of defeat and discouragement.  This is officially ludicrous!!  I don't know what to do anymore!!!  What is my next step?  What cup size would even be next?  JJ?  K?  This sucks... not to mention being this upset over a bra makes me feel stupid.  Once again I vented to some of my close friends... my friend Dana gave me the best reaction, "Jeani!  Your boobs are halfway down the alphabet!!"

Still stewing in frustration I decided my only saving grace would to become educated in the bra world.  I found some sites with helpful tips and such including this wikihow site that gave me tips for a bra fitting that I can do on my own... problem being that they stop at a J cup.  Again, where do I go from here!?  Another site that I found in my research wash True & Co.  They also have an online fit profile that also focuses on shape which is nice.  They don't go up to my size, but there is potential with this company.  They are always looking to expand and have fit testing sessions.  They are based out of San Francisco, so I totally emailed them and asked to be apart of it.  I have actually happened upon a few sites with decent bras, like this bra from Bigger Bras that is about $40, not horrendous looking, and is available up to a K cup in UK sizes!  I order this bra in a 36H & 36HH which are the UK equivalent to a K and L cup.  Lord, help me if one of those don't fit!  

I am just starting out my journey, so please... I am asking all of my fellow busty girls out there... where are your favorite places to purchase?  What have your fails and successes been?  What brands do you love?  Is there anyone in the Bay Area of Nor Cal that knows where I can get properly sized AND try on in the same place?  Are there any sites you think I should check out?  Any help or suggestions would be lovely!

A Taste of Salt... Review on Salty Cosmetics Mineral Eye Shadows...

I decided to take some of my own advice.  Whenever I am asked how I learned to do my makeup, my answer is Carmidy from What Not to Wear and I played.  Playing with my face is one of my favorite things to do (who am I kidding; I’ll play with anyone’s face).  Thing is I usually play with the same old stuff.  I am trying to expand my makeup horizons, and I have discovered some pretty good brands and colors out there.  Have I tried all of these discoveries?  Not even close.  I am trying to change that!  I am going to venture out and really try things out of my comfort zone.  First thing I had to do was decide where to start...

I received a jar of Glama- Zoid Mineral Eye Shadow from Salty Cosmetics (I think it was in an IPSY bag) and thought it was great.  It is a beautiful white iridescent color with undertones of violet and pink.  It looks more violet on my skin.  It is a wonderful accent color or highlight.  I usually use it as a highlight in my inner tear duct.  

Me wearing Glama-Zoid through out my lower lash line

That was where I was going to start.  I powered up my laptop to check out what else the company offers.  Salty Cosmetics is pretty well rounded.  They offer lip glosses, foundations, and even nail polish.   I found a great selection of colors... so great that it was a little overwhelming.  Then I discovered the grab bags.  For $10 you receive 10 samples in either a day or night option.  It didn't say what came in the grab bags, but that is a part of the adventure.  I of course I was super excited.  How could I not try that?  They are samples so if I didn't like them I wouldn't feel so bad.  Then I saw that you can get samples of all of the colors!  That is AMAZING.  I can't tell you how many times I have bought full sizes of things that I ended up hating.  Then I would be kicking myself for wasting my money.

So I bought the two grab bags plus a few samples of other colors that I really wanted to try and waited oh so patiently for them to arrive (it was torture).  When I received them I was surprise because the grab bags contained more than just eye shadow... I got lip gloss, bronzer, and blush too.  The samples are a good size.  Good enough to get more than one time use.  I like that, because I have more opportunities to play and experiment.

These are most, but not all of the samples I received

So I swatched most of the colors on my arm to see what I had to work with.  I was pretty happy with what I got.  I got only one double (I was afraid I was going to get a lot of doubles).  Only down side... a few came without names.  There is a pretty light blue that I assume in Sergio's Ojo's and a light pink that I think might be Pinky.  As much as I wanted to stay up all night playing with the colors, I knew that wasn't option.  I did grab two and started to play.

From left to right:
Nebula, Cosmic Martini, Goddess of Bronze, Antiquey, Bad A$$, Persian Goddess, Queen of Venus, Chester Copper Pots, 24 Karat Rose, Sergio's Ojo's (?), Cool Glitz, Pinky (?), Mirage, & Northern Lights

From left to right:
Morenci Black, Butt Nakie, Coca-Mocha, & House of Hash

They are so easy to work with!  So soft and blend able.  Each sample is a great pigment.  The matte colors are smooth and the others had just the right amount of glitz.  I was most excited to try Queen of Venus.  I have been looking for a more eggplant kind of purple for a while.  If you didn't know purple is my favorite color, shame on you!  How could you not?  Have you seen all my purple lipsticks?  It was exactly what I wanted without really knowing it.  I usually lean more towards matte colors (don't get me wrong, I love me some glitter!).  So, when I would find a color to try, it was always harsher than I wanted.  I knew I wanted something more on the eggplant end, but not eggplant.  Queen of Venus was exactly what I envisioned in my head, but couldn't find.

In Queen of Venus and Butt Nakie

I was also very impressed with the Morenci black.  Most of the black eye shadows that I have tried are grayer looking on me.  Not this one... it's BLACK!  I didn't think I would like the 24 Karat Rose as much as I did.  I thought it was pretty, but I didn't really see me wearing it.  Once I put it on it was hard not to love it.  It's not something I would normally wear.  That is a good thing; I am supposed to be venturing out, right?  Another one that I just adore is Persian Goddess.  I really felt like a goddess when I put it on.  It really is the perfect gold.

In 24 Karat Rose

In Goddess of Bronze

Chester Copper Pots

If you  are interested in purchasing please visit the website.  Also there is coupon code.  15% off of your first purchase with the code SALTY15!  

I will leave you with one of my favorite looks...  I was channeling my inner Cleopatra...

In Persian Goddess and Serjio's Ojo's (?)

Fave Five June

I have made some recent purchase that I just adore!

Fave Five June by jelobo2 featuring lips makeup

1. Salty Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in Queen of Venus:  I am just starting to experiment with eye color.  What I really love about Salty Cosmetics is that they let you buy samples.  I bought two Grab Bags (10 for $10) and 4 other samples.  One of which was the Queen of Venus.  It is a gorgeous color and easy to play with.  I will have a full review of all the ones I bought up on the blog shortly.
2. Limecrime Opaque Lipstick in Chinchilla:  This was on my wishlist last month and I am beyond happy that I bought it!  It really is more gray than it appears in the pictures that I have taken with it on, but that is what makes it a fantastic neutral!
3. Forever 21 Floral Flush Bodycon Dress:  I wasn't sure about this dress when I first saw it, but I put it on an loved it.  It is made in a really soft easy material and the cut out in the backs are very cute.  I did have to get a size bigger than I normally did, but it's a bodycon dress, so that is normal.
4. House of Lashes Latex-Free Eyelash Adhesive:  Hallelujah!  A few weeks ago I suffered an allergic reaction from my eyelash glue.  I of course was devastated.  I didn't know if I was going to be able to wear lashes ever again.  Luckily for me I decided to try a non latex formula to see if it was just the latex that hates me.  It was and I now have a fabulous new eyelash glue!  Stays on extremely well and smells like flowers!
5. House of Lashes Goddess Collection Lashes in Siren:  While I was purchasing the new eyelash glue, I decided to risk it and buy new lashes as well.  I got three new pairs all of which are wonderful, but the wispy Siren ones are my favorite.  House of Lashes has some great lashes!  Great quality and reasonably prices.  I think I shall be getting all of mine from here!

June Wish List

June Wish List by jelobo2 featuring a black dress

1. Forever 21 Knotted Southwestern Headwrap:  I think I am going through a bohemian phase at the moment because I am obsessed with maxi dresses, boho prints, and head wraps/scarves at the moment.  Forever 21 has some great head wraps, this one included.  There is also an Etsy shop that has really really cute ones.  However she is from the Philippines and well I am just not that patient....
2. Sugarpill Cosmetics Lumi Loose Eyeshadow:  I saw a look on IG and FB and just about died!  This iridescent white is so pretty with the undertones of blue and green and can change when mixed with darker colors to a turquoise.  I could totally be a mermaid!  LOL :)
3. Forever 21 Tribal Print Scuba Knit Dress:  Summer is here and I live in dresses and skirts.  I like this one because I can go out in it, but it’s still casual enough for me to wear during the day.  Plus it’s different, I like different.
4. Dustine by Madison T-Strap Heel from ShoeDazzle:  T-Straps are one of my favorite types of shoes and these go with my boho obsession at the moment.  Plus they are yellow?  Who doesn't want to rock a yellow heel in the summer?
5. Wet Seal Cross-Hatch Print Zipper High-Waist Shorts:  I hate shorts!  However there are times that it's just not feasible to wear a dress or skirt and pants are way too hot.  I saw these and they changing my feelings about shorts. I won't know until I put them on....

MORE WISHLIST ITEMS:

1. ASOS Curve New Look Inspire Geo-Tribal Print Bandeau Jumpsuit:  Continuing with my boho obsession...
2. Michel Studio Printed Jogger Pants from Addition Elle:  I am not really into jogger or harem pants (just not my thing), but these one’s that I saw on GabiFresh are adorable!
3. The Lip BarSip of Summer Lipstick in Kamikaze:  THAT COLOR!!!!!!!!!!  Not to mention, how cute is it that all their colors are named after drinks?
4. Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner:  I am super excited to try this eyeliner out!  I like most, struggle with my cat eye and my winged styles.  This liner makes it so easy... or at least makes it look so easy!  It hasn't been release yet (booo!), but you can get on the wait list.
5. Modcloth Take A Staycation Shorts:  Another pair of shorts I would be willing to try...
6. Sugarpill Cosmetics Buttercupcake Pressed Eye Shadow:  A while back my friend Manda and I did an order from Sugarpill cosmetics and I LOVE the colors I got.  I also loved the color Manda got.... I have been thinking about it ever since...
7. MAC Lorde Collection Lipstick in Pure Heroine:  Do I need another purple lipstick... nope... should I get another purple lipstick... probably not... am I going to get another purple lipstick.... what do you think?
8. ASOS CurveHigh Waisted Jean in Coated Denim:  I love these coated curve hugging denim pants!  It’s like wearing leather pants without actually spending the money on leather pants!

May Wish List

Wish List- May by jelobo2

1. Shifty Shape Sunglasses from Urbanog.com:  Summer is fast approaching, and even though I have a basket full of sunglasses.... well, a girl can never have too many!  Sunglasses are like shoes.  I don't have any round sunglasses.  I know these are octagon shaped, but close enough. 
2. Monki Smile Lips Clutch Bag:  I love handbags and I love lipstick.  A bag with lips is a must!  It is so happy looking... you can't help but smile when you see it, right?
3. He Haw Hawaiian Top from Pinupgirlclothing.com:  This top is absolutely adorable!!!
4. Pedal to the Metal Heel from Pinupgirlclothing.com:  These appeal to the vintage girl in me.
5. Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in Chinchilla:  I know I have a lot of purple lipsticks (it is my favorite color after all), but this one is more of a gray with lavender undertones.  It would be more neutral rather then my bright or super dark purples.

MORE WISHLIST ITEMS:

1. Feed Me & Tell Me I'm Pretty T-Shirt:  What else needs to be said?  EPIC t-shirt!
2. Contrast Sleeveless Dress:  With summer right around the corner (or here since it was 91° today) I am going to be living in dresses.  I can totally wear this to work and go out after.
3. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Dhara:  I finally got my hands on some Pixie Dust nail polish (both neutral colors) and I love them.  I want as many of them as I can get my hands on!
4. Alex Drawer Unit from Ikea:  This summer I am finally going to get to some DIY projects that I have been planning to do.  First I want to make my vanity with super organized makeup drawers.  I found this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to do it... if you want to here are instructions for compacts and lipsticks.
5. Lazy Shoe Zen:  I need someone who is handy in my life to help me make this!!!

Finally Inked!!

I love love love love love tattoos.  I think they are sexy and expressive.  After years of debating on what to get, where to get it, if I even should really do it, if I could HANDLE doing it, I got my first tattoo.  It feels great to finally do something that I have always wanted to do.  I got a fabulous sense of accomplishment crossing it off my bucket list.  However, I was a HUGE ball of nerves before hand.

I am the definition of a scaredy cat!  I hate needles.  It has been fear of mine since I was little.  I have been wanting to get a tattoo since I was 18, but the thought of it petrified me so much it took almost 11 years!  I made a goal/resolution that I would get 1 of the 3 that I want (yes I said 3) this year and I am really glad I finally grew some balls and did it!

I came to the conclusion to get the triad on my wrist for a few reasons.  I wanted something simple with 4 lines to represent each of my nieces (Holle, Zaina, Deja, and Jazmine) and well lets just face it... a square wouldn't have been cute.  Also, I knew that I wanted to start off small to see if I could handle it.  My other 2 planned tattoos are going to be very detailed and very painful.  Another reason why I choose the triad is because I am very into geometric shapes/prints.  The last reason is because I am a GIGANTIC Thirty Seconds to Mars fan.  It all just kind of fit.

My friend Shaela did the tattoo for me.  I am glad I had someone that I know doing it rather than a stranger.  She knew I was very nervous and just made everything easy.  She suggested using the dotting technique because it is let painful and I am glad we did.  It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I hyped it up to be in my mind, but I am glad I did hype it up.  I think it helped me get through it.  Not to say there was not times of pain (especially around my veins), but all in all it wasn't very painful.  I thought there would be lingering pain and soreness.  Nope. There were moments it tingled the next day and when I apply the ointment it's a little tender, but no pain.

              Shaela drawing the stencil.                                             The placement of the stencil on my arm.

I am not going to lie... when she pulled out the tattoo gun while setting up I almost bolted out the door!

My face looks really calm, but I am totally freaking out.  LOL

I didn't think I would smile at all when getting it done... so happy it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would!

Finished results!!

So there it is... my simple triad that I am extremely happy with!!!

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH SHAELA!  

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!  IT LOOKS AMAZING!!